End-to-End Encryption Comes to Skype Through Signal Partnership

Skype is using the Signal Protocol for the feature, allowing users to take advantage of strong end-to-end encryption for more secure communications.

Private Conversations are available for one-on-one conversations on Skype, with users able to initiate a private conversation by tapping on the "+" icon and then selecting "New Private Conversation." Once a conversation is initiated, it will be available only on the specific device where it was started.

Microsoft says Private Conversations offer several unique features:

A Private Conversation will have a lock icon next to your contact's name.

Preview messages from Private Conversations will not show in Chats or notifications.

Private Conversation capabilities are limited. You cannot edit a message or forward a file. From the chat window, only emoticons, files and audio messages are available to send.

Private Conversations are specific to a device. A new invitation must be sent and accepted, to change to another device.

Private Conversations are available today in a preview capacity for Skype Insiders, Microsoft's beta testing program for Skype.

Top Rated Comments

I've said this a million times before and will say it again: This isn't secure end-to-end if you aren't managing your public keys. I'm frustrated with how many companies claim they have end-to-end encryption when users are blindly trusting the public keys given to them by the one entity they're trying to avoid trusting.

Microsoft did secret surveillance deals with NSA, et al., years ago. Who would trust a company that sells hundreds of millions of dollars of products to governments to protect their secrets. It’s like trusting Facebook or google not to spy. The incentives are wrong.

It it a bit strange that Microsoft is using someone else to make it happen. Seems they should be able to do it themselves. Though I suppose this route is easier and in this day and age if something goes wrong or a loophole is found, they can just blame it on someone else and lessen the bad press for themselves.

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